Opal Jean Goldsby

Opal Jean Preston Goldsby was the youngest daughter born to Ernest and Jeannette (Thomas) Preston on November 12, 1939, near Jersey in Bradley County, Arkansas. She transitioned from this life on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at her home in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

She attended grade school in the Amy Tatum (AT) community and AT AME Church in Jersey, Arkansas. Opal graduated from Hermitage High School early and later attended Shorter College in North Little, Arkansas after receiving an AME church scholarship. She played basketball for Shorter College, and she was in the college choir. While attending Shorter College, she met and married W. Dean Goldsby, Sr. in 1961, and three sons were born to the union, Anthony Dean, Ricky Marlo, and Wilmer Dean Goldsby, Jr. Opal joined Bethel AME Church of North Little Rock under the leadership of Rev. P. H. Russell in 1961. She was active with the Spirit of Bethel Choir and Spirit of 12th District Choir. Opal attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. She worked for the North Little Rock School District for over 30 years.

Opal was a supportive mother, grandmother, and aunt. She will always be remembered for her willingness to help others. In her spare time, she loved to read novels and newspapers.

Opal leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Anthony Goldsby of North Little Rock, Arkansas; Ricky Goldsby (Maria) of Princeton, Texas; daughter-in-law, Rhoda Goldsby of Arlington, Texas; and grandchildren, Kenisa (Nakelya Moragne) Dokes, Andrea Bogan, Karmen Edwards, Rian Goldsby, Arielle Goldsby, Wilmer Dean (3D) Goldsby III, and Kameon Goldsby; and her friend Dr. W. Dean Goldsby, Sr. of North Little Rock, Arkansas. She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends, and the Bethel AME North Little Rock church family.

Preceding Opal in death are her parents, son Rev. Wilmer Dean (Lil Dean) Goldsby, Jr.; grandson Anthony Dean (Pooh) Goldsby, Jr.; daughter-in-law Rhonda Goldsby; brothers, Leonard, Lawrence, Lewis, and Lee Ester Preston; sisters, Ernestine Preston Briggs, Velma Purifoy, Lacyrene Banks, Lue Ello Pickett, Mable Hampton Johns, and Bessie Montgomery. Also, preceding her in death were her special friends, Catherine (CAT) Harper and Madeline (MAT) Robinson.

Service Entrusted To:

Premier Funeral Home

1020 Daisy L Gatson Bates Drive

Little Rock, AR 72202

(501) 376-4800

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